When it comes to sexual orientation and gender identity, individuals may feel more comfortable if they can express themselves freely and safely within their social groups. This is especially true for people working in a closed military environment where such expression may be met with discrimination, bullying, or violence.
Many LGBTQ+ people do not feel comfortable coming out and living openly due to fear of rejection from family members, peers, colleagues, or even society. They might choose to conceal their sexuality until the right time to come out arrives. But what are the long-term effects of this choice? Does it affect psychological resilience, and how does it manifest itself?
Concealing one's sexual identity has been linked to poor mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. It also increases the likelihood of substance abuse, risky behaviors, and self-harming behaviors. Research shows that LGBTQ+ people who remain closeted tend to experience higher levels of stress and trauma than those who live openly. This prolonged exposure to stress can lead to burnout, fatigue, and other physical symptoms that impact overall wellbeing. In addition, being forced to hide one's true self can cause feelings of isolation, shame, and low self-esteem, which further contribute to negative emotional states.
Long-term psychological resilience refers to an individual's ability to cope with difficult situations over time without falling into despair or hopelessness. Concealing sexual identity can weaken resilience by creating a sense of constant pressure and uncertainty about when and if it is safe to come out. The process of hiding one's true self requires constant vigilance and effort, leading to high levels of cognitive load and emotional exhaustion. It may also lead individuals to adopt coping mechanisms such as denial or avoidance that prevent them from dealing with issues in a healthy way.
These unhealthy coping strategies can erode mental health and make it harder for individuals to bounce back from setbacks.
Some argue that concealing sexuality can be beneficial in certain contexts, such as when working in dangerous environments where disclosure could put individuals at risk. While this may be true, there are still potential downsides to staying in the closet, including increased social isolation, difficulty forming meaningful relationships, and decreased work performance. Research suggests that coming out increases job satisfaction, team cohesion, and productivity. By contrast, concealment may limit access to support networks and opportunities for growth.
While concealment might offer short-term benefits, its long-term effects on psychological resilience cannot be ignored. People should feel free to express themselves openly and safely in all settings, including military environments. Employers must create inclusive policies and programs that allow LGBTQ+ employees to thrive without fear of repercussions. This will help promote positive mental health and build more resilient communities.
How does the concealment of sexual identity in a closed military environment affect long-term psychological resilience?
The concealment of sexual identity in a closed military environment can have a significant impact on an individual's long-term psychological resilience. For individuals who are not open about their sexual orientation, they may experience feelings of isolation, fear, and anxiety, which can negatively impact their overall mental health over time. The constant need to hide one's true self can lead to feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and depression.